Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6

Great Manifestation becomes Leaving Behind

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven above a Mountain as four lines move: the figure of great strength turns into one of withdrawal. The still third and fourth lines of 33 Leaving Behind guide the reading. The third warns that if, on your way out, you let circumstances persuade you to linger, you'll need allies to make even small progress. The fourth asks you to leave without clinging or regret, sure it's right, or a heart in mourning will keep you closed to what's new. Strength here means knowing when to step away. The road you've been powering along may have run its course. Leave it cleanly, without half-measures and without mourning. Your energy isn't wasted; it's being freed for something that fits better. Make the break, then turn toward what's ahead.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 3 of 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still

    If, just as you're leaving something behind, you still let circumstances tempt you to stay, you'll need to find allies to make even a little progress.

    A tethered retreat. There is sickness, danger. Keeping servants and maids: good fortune.

  2. Line 4 of 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still

    You need to leave this road behind without clinging and without regret, sure that it's the right thing. Otherwise, even if you let go, a grieving heart will keep you from opening up to what's new.

    A retreat with affection. For the noble person, good fortune; for the petty person, not so.

  3. The judgment of 34 Great Manifestation

    You have what it takes to carry out big projects and achieve extraordinary things. Still, you need to stay active and keep persevering. Thinking and acting in harmony will keep you holding to what is right and will make your achievements last.

    Constancy is favorable.

  4. Line 1 of 34 Great Manifestation

    Despite your excellent qualities, some unfavorable situations still won't let you move forward. Don't push. Work through the obstacles one by one, and circumstances will give way in the end.

    Strength in the toes. Setting out brings misfortune. There is sincere trust.

  5. Line 2 of 34 Great Manifestation

    Circumstances are starting to open up and conditions keep getting better. Still, stay centered and keep persevering to get the results you want.

    Constancy brings good fortune.

  6. Line 5 of 34 Great Manifestation

    This is a favorable moment when you can do without force and head toward your goals without haste or strain: the good wave will carry you to success.

    Loses the ram at Yi. No regret.

  7. Line 6 of 34 Great Manifestation

    If you push ahead without thinking and without taking in feedback, you reach a point that becomes a wall and blocks your way. Being aware of this before you go too far will let you change course.

    A ram butts the fence: it can't go back, it can't go on. Nothing is favorable. Taking on the hardship: good fortune.

  8. The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind

    Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.

    Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Mountain
Above Thunder Heaven

The way back

33 Leaving Behind → 34 Great Manifestation
lines 1, 2, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Great Manifestation

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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